I have been working on some new ideas for a new series of work, building on my current geometric teapot explorations.
This image shows a right angle corner module that will be the my basic building block for more complex forms.
Below is a composition shown from 4 different angles created from three copies of the above unit.
Using CAD software enables me to accurately visualize forms before they ever physically exist. I plan to sketch with Rhino for a few more weeks, while completing several more teapots for an upcoming firing; after which I will begin production of several different corner modules to explore over the next several years.
Here is an image of yesterday’s sketching. Again the forms are all created from repeating an original modular component. I have been enjoying this manner of working a great deal. It is wonderful to finally blend my interests in technology, drafting and art. Exploring new work using this method will undoubtedly improve the quality of my next series of slip cast ceramic sculpture.
In this sketch I began with a rectangular box and cut it apart along several planes. Multiple copies of various parts were assembled to create the large form.
I recently submitted my piece to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art at Johnson County Community College for their amazing annual fundraiser event Beyond Bounds. This year’s theme is Ruby Glow because it is the fortieth (Ruby)anniversary of JCCC. I along with over 100 other prominent artists were invited to donate a piece to this event, using specially made ruby mediums. The event will be held Saturday, October 24th, 2009 at 7 p.m.
Here is a link to the Beyond Bounds section of the Nerman’s website. It is really pretty amazing, you can view images of the entire show by highlighting each artist’s name!
http://www.nermanmuseum.org/content/beyond-bounds-2009-artists
Here is an image of the piece I donated. Be sure to check out the Beyond Bounds site for another view!
“El Rojo”
Slipcast and assembled porcelain, soda fired to cone 10 with Radiant Red Underglaze and Ruby Red 04 glaze, 7 1/2 x 10 7/8 x 6″
Here is one of the pieces that I entered into the Archie Bray Foundation’s Beyond the Brickyard Exhibition.
It is titled: Hevonen
It is cone 10 soda fired procelain, and one of my favorite pieces I have created recently….wait a minute, make that ever….this piece is pretty amazing.
It’s a good thing I was able to enter a piece that I like so much. This will likely be the toughest show I have ever entered. The first time I heard of this show was at NCECA early this Spring, so I’m sure there will be tons of amazing work entered that I will be competing with. Walter McConnell will be the juror. I expect the show to be nothing short of amazing!
That being said, I will feel really great my work is accepted.
Soon to come: A special sneak peak the fantastic piece that I donated to the Nerman Museum of Contemporary Art’s annual art auction: Beyond Bounds Glow
Here is an updated artist statement.
It’s been a long time since I posted anything like that, and I intend to do a better job of posting regularly….new images, and current info YAY!
Here is the statemtent. I plan to continue tweaking it, let me know if you have any suggestions or reflections!
Inspirations for my designs come from a love of geometry, modern
architecture and farm machinery commonly seen while growing up in
rural southeast Kansas.
3D-CAD software enables me to accurately visualize objects during the
design phase of my process. I am enthralled by the plastic properties
of clay and the versatility of mold-making, slip-casting and assembly.
Repeated production and reconfiguration of modular elements allows me
to create and continually refine similar, yet unique objects.
Teapots are representative of the pinnacle of functional ceramic
design. My vessels allude to my early interest in functional
ceramics, while providing a vehicle for sculptural exploration.
The vessels are soda fired to emphasize the edges, planes and corners. This firing process allows me to manipulate the kiln atmosphere during the firing to achieve varied results, adding to the uniqueness of each individual work.
Here is an image of a pot that came out of the kiln on September 7th.
It makes great use of a flashing slip I had been using called Kazegama Yellow. To this slip I added 12% of an encapsulated cadmium stain.
The results are:
Just Peachy
Here are some images of some top notch work I have completed recently.
All of these are slipcast and assembled soda fired porcelain using several different flashing slips to achieve the varied surfaces.
Kendore will be featured in the Epsten Gallery’s Urban Suburban Art Auction held in October.
I will post some other new work very soon as I am kicking some serious butt in the studio in preparation for the Nerman Museum’s Beyond Bounds: GLOW fundraiser auction!
Stay Tuned!
Here are some images of some great wheel thrown work that I have made within the last year. I am currently trying to empty my inventory of such work as I have made a shift from throwing to casting. I am quite pleased with all of these pots and any of them could be yours for a very reasonable price. Just contact me if you are interested and we can discuss the prices!
Here are some new images of recent work!
All are slipcast and assembled porcelain using soda firing and lusters.
Here are a few of the new forms I have been working on.
These cast vessels were altered by repeatedly dropping them onto a plaster slab. This technique results in some wonderful folds and cracks while allowing me to retain the detail and crispness of the original lines.
The second piece was covered in a RedArt slip. After high firing and sandblasting, I plan to overfill the piece with spray insulation that will then be painted to look like some nasty sludge.
I’m pretty excited about the last one. It is the latest from my geometric vessel series. Thanks to a wonderful suggestion by Ayumi Horie I have begun to integrate the vessel with the stand.
I am planning to fire sometime in the next several weeks, after which I will post some new images of finished work. In the meantime I will post some new info and my personal reviews/thoughts from some of the many interesting panels/lectures/conversations that I consumed over the last week at NCECA.
I went to an amazing Sergei Isupove workshop at the Mesa Arts Center on Monday and Tuesday before NCECA.
Here are a few Images from the workshop and the show at the Museum attached to the Arts Center.
A few thoughts/philosophical tidbits from the workshop:
Conflict makes work more alive…vibrating.
The bottom of a piece will sometimes be the selling point.
Get up early, work really hard and advertise(and don’t skimp on photography).
Keep your hands dry or the clay dries faster.
If you feel yourself hesitating, work faster.
Dots are not as scrutinized as lines.
This is just a sampling of the wonderful knowledge and technique shared by Isupov during this two day workshop.
Definitely the best $75 I have ever spent.
I have a show opening this week!
It will be at the Strecker-Nelson Gallery in Manhattan, Kansas.
Here are some images of the work!
The opening will be friday the thirteenth at 5 pm.
